Installing a New Bathtub Faucet

Perhaps your bathroom could use a little updating, but your budget is restrictive. Maybe your bathtub faucet is rusty, leaky or broken, but you hate to call a plumber. Bath spouts can be extremely affordable to purchase, and are a quick way to refresh your bathroom. You do not need to pay a pro to do it for you, either.

Things You'll Need

• New faucet
• Wrenches
• Allen wrench
• Box cutter, screwdriver or putty knife
• Plumber's tape
• Caulking
• Towels

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to your bathtub. How you will do this depends on your plumbing. You may have a stop valve inside your bathroom. Otherwise, you may need to turn the main water valve off outside. Once you have stopped the water supply, turn on your tub faucet and let all the remaining water run out.

2. Remove the existing faucet. Some spouts unscrew counterclockwise (you may need a flathead screwdriver, putty knife or box cutter to remove caulk or plumber's putty around the spout). Others have an Allen head screw up through the bottom. Remove the screw with an Allen wrench and pull off the faucet.

3. Clean the area where the old faucet was mounted, removing any remaining caulk or putty. Dry it thoroughly.

4. Twist and push the new faucet gently but firmly onto the wall fitting. If the fitting and the spout are threaded, turn the faucet clockwise until it is flush with the wall. If the new faucet requires an Allen head screw to secure it, insert the screw and tighten it with an Allen wrench.

5. Squeeze a thin line of caulk along the edge of the faucet on the bathtub wall. Smooth it down with your index finger, removing any bubbles and filling any gaps. Wipe away any excess caulk before it dries.

6. Allow the caulk to dry completely. Turn on the water supply and test your new faucet.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the condition of the pipes while you have the faucet removed. This is a good way to prevent future problems.

Resources

• Bathtub Faucet Buyer's Guide